Pet Transport UK to Bulgaria: AHC and Tapeworm Requirements in 2026

The Animal Health Certificate is the single document that permits a UK pet to enter an EU country. It confirms the microchip number, the current rabies vaccination, and for dogs, the tapeworm treatment administered before departure.

Your APHA-authorised vet issues the AHC within 10 days of travel. It is worth calling ahead to confirm the vet holds current APHA authorisation, as not every veterinary practice does. The appointment covers the physical examination, any treatments needed, and the completion of the certificate. In most practices this is a 20-30 minute appointment.

Cats travelling to Bulgaria need the AHC without the tapeworm section completed. The certificate still confirms microchip and vaccination. Both dogs and cats need it; the difference is the treatment requirement.

Sofia International (SOF) is Bulgaria’s main airport and the best-connected for year-round flights from the UK. Wizz Air operates multiple times per week from Luton and Gatwick, and accepts small pets in the cabin (up to 8 kg including carrier). Bulgaria Air offers hold-baggage pet acceptance from Heathrow.

In summer, flights to Varna (VAR) and Bourgas (BOJ) on the Black Sea coast increase significantly. These airports are busier for package holiday traffic but typically charter-focused; check whether the carrier you are booking accepts pets before assuming the same rules apply. The coastal airports are fine for pet arrivals, but Sofia gives you more consistent options throughout the year.

For larger dogs that cannot travel in-cabin, the hold-baggage option on Bulgaria Air or the cargo route via BA World Cargo are the main alternatives. Confirm your pet’s size and weight against the airline’s current limits before finalising the booking.